Chimpanzee (2012)

74% of critics liked it
(77 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(63,133 ratings)

In theaters Earth Day 2012, Disneynature's newest True Life Adventure introduces Oscar, a baby chimp whose playful curiosity and zest for discovery light up the African forest until a twist of fate leaves Oscar to fend for himself with a little help from an unexpected ally. -- (C) Disneynature

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Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 17 min.
Directed By: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield
Genres: Documentary

In Theaters: Apr 20, 2012 Wide
Studio: Disneynature

Critic Reviews

Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
Those hungering for rare footage of our cousins playing and foraging, fighting or fleeing are in for a number of treats.
Rafer Guzman, Newsday
Walt Disney himself couldn't have scripted "Chimpanzee" any better.
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
Resurrects some of the worst traits of the studio's True-Life Adventures series of the 1950s, '60s and '70s, dubiously shaping some amazing footage with cornball narration that relentlessly anthropomorphizes its simian subjects.
Tom Long, Detroit News
It's really a wonder of nature, a reminder of how we are bound to other species and how valuable and special and downright magical their lives are. It may be a bit corny at times, but it's also downright enlightening.
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
One wonders whether more than a few viewers won't want to take home a baby chimp after seeing the film.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
We don't see footage of different chimps and have to pretend it's the same; this is one fellow, from one clan, trying to survive.
Austin Kennedy, Sin Magazine
For some reason, Disney thought it would be a brilliant idea to have overrated and "shoot me in my face" irritating actor/comedian Tim Allen to talk over the ape action. What a horrible idea!
Sean Means, Salt Lake Tribune
We get a dumbed-down narration (by Tim Allen) that telegraphs what the audience should be feeling at every second.
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
Has the makings of a great nature documentary … If only Allen didn't keep elbowing us in the ribs to make sure that we get it.
Cynthia Fuchs, PopMatters
Little Oscar's life is by definition eventful, as each day holds risk, from predators and weather and scarcity of food.
Michelle Orange, Movieline
Many of the images speak for themselves, to the extent that with a little more creative editing and narrative restraint Chimpanzee could work as a silent film.
Kimberley Jones, Austin Chronicle
Don't be fooled: The humans are the only ones mugging here.
Jackie K. Cooper, jackiekcooper.com
The chimp is adorable and the movie is just okay. It needed something to make it special and not just good.
Bob Grimm, Tucson Weekly
While Tim Allen grates a bit, kids will probably be all stoked to hear Buzz Lightyear talking about chimps.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
A pleasant family entertainer sure to stimulate young minds into learning more about the world's wildlife.
Miles Howard, Boston Phoenix
Combines breathtaking wildlife footage with silly, self-conscious voiceover narration aimed at preschoolers.
Susan Granger, SSG Syndicate
Heart-warming and family-friendly, marred only by the banal, cloyingly cute narration which anthropomorphizes the primates.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
[VIDEO] The true story of Oscar, an abandoned infant chimpanzee left to fend for himself in Africa's jungle wilderness, is at the heart of this stunning documentary.
Mike Scott, Times-Picayune
Two opposable thumbs up.
Andrea Chase, Killer Movie Reviews
touching, exhilarating, and enlightening in unexpected ways

Read all 24 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bradley J

A wonderful Earth Day gift from Disneynature. Chimpanzee is touching, enjoyable, and features incredible jungle footage with the neon mushrooms and the slowed down rain fall being the highlights. Chimpanzee is a great family film that's gentle enough without watering down the… More
A wonderful Earth Day gift from Disneynature. Chimpanzee is touching, enjoyable, and features incredible jungle footage with the neon mushrooms and the slowed down rain fall being the highlights. Chimpanzee is a great family film that's gentle enough without watering down the brutality of the animals' lives. Overall Rating: 84
Nathan C

With the recent collection of Disneynature films (African Cats, Oceans, Earth, etc.), they have added another film into the mix, which dives into the lives of chimpanzees. Can Chimpanzee carry the legacy of Disneynature's films? One thing it does well is that the cute charm of… More
With the recent collection of Disneynature films (African Cats, Oceans, Earth, etc.), they have added another film into the mix, which dives into the lives of chimpanzees. Can Chimpanzee carry the legacy of Disneynature's films? One thing it does well is that the cute charm of the chimpanzees might woo you in. It's one of the films main strengths, and you actually feel for the main character Oscar, and his antics throughout the film. The film is also pretty funny and has its fair share of surprising things you might notice. Tim Allen also does a good job as narrator, giving the chimpanzees character in certain situations. It is quite short at 72 minutes but the film makes use of its limited time, showcasing everything chimpanzees need to thrive and survive. Overall, a very pleasant family film, with some comedy, suspense and emotional moments thrown in.
John C

Enjoyed this more than the other Disney Nature film (Oceans) but this one suffers as did that one from exquisite cinematography marred by crappy script and lackluster narration. Does anyone really go to see Chimpanzee to hear Tim Allen's voice? Next time Disney needs to throw… More
Enjoyed this more than the other Disney Nature film (Oceans) but this one suffers as did that one from exquisite cinematography marred by crappy script and lackluster narration. Does anyone really go to see Chimpanzee to hear Tim Allen's voice? Next time Disney needs to throw more $ at script and less at talent. Nevertheless it was great spending 80 minutes with Oscar and the gang. (5-20-12)
Matt S

The story of Oscar and his "community" (aka family/tribe) definitely sucked me in and it's fascinating the way that Chimpanzees use tools to do things. One thing I could done less with was Tim Allen's narration, I kept picturing him as "Tim 'The Tool… More
The story of Oscar and his "community" (aka family/tribe) definitely sucked me in and it's fascinating the way that Chimpanzees use tools to do things. One thing I could done less with was Tim Allen's narration, I kept picturing him as "Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor." It's solid film though if you're looking for something to take the whole family to see.